NGOs welcome Vincent Cable MP's initiative on domestic energy conservation

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Oct 2002

The HECA Partnership of NGOs today welcomed Vincent Cable's latest initiative in support of increased domestic energy efficiency.

Mr Cable has responded to an official Treasury consultation on ways to improve energy conservation by supporting the Clean Dozen list of measures to encourage greater energy efficiency being promoted by many NGOs and energy advice centres.

These measures include · Setting a firm target of a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2010,as recommended by the recent Performance and Innovation Unit report to Government · Reducing VAT to 5% on energy saving materials, making them cheaper to purchase · 50% grants for householders who install advanced technology such as domestic combined heat and power units and heat pumps · Stamp duty rebate for people who install energy saving measures after buying a house.

Said HECA Partnership Organiser Ron Bailey: 'By supporting the Clean Dozen Vince Cable has demonstrated his support for the environment.

CO2 emissions have increased in the last two years so it is very important that MPs like Mr Cable continue to campaign for greater domestic energy efficiency, both the protect the environment and to enable the millions of people living in cold homes to have decent, warm accommodation.

We congratulate Mr Cable for taking this initiative.' Further information from: Ron Bailey 07951 761229